Gas Ranges vs Dual-Fuel Ranges
Most homeowners are familiar with gas and electric ranges. However, there are some lesser-known facts about dual fuel ranges, which consumers and professional chefs typically consider the best cooking appliances to invest in. Currently about half of Copper Creek Homes built in the last 2 years have Dual-Fuel Ranges installed in them.
The difference between gas ranges and dual fuel ranges is pretty simple. Gas ranges heat the cooktop and the oven with gas. Dual fuel ranges heat the oven with electricity and the cooktop with gas.
The advantage of dual fuel ranges is to have the precise temperature control of electricity to heat the oven instead of the temperature fluctuations that often happens in gas ovens. A gas range could be the right choice for your home, or a dual fuel range could offer you the precision temperature control you desire.
Homeowners are faced with a tough decision when deciding to purchase a new range. Most of us only go through the process of buying a new stove once in our lifetime and have limited budgets. If you already have a gas line in your kitchen, or are considering having one installed, you may be weighing the options between purchasing a gas range or a dual fuel range.
In terms of upfront purchase price, a gas range will be a more affordable option compared to a dual fuel range. As a general rule, cooks who enjoy making entrees do not need the exact temperature control in a convection oven as much as cooks who enjoy baking.
Gas ovens will cook meats and vegetables correctly and evenly. But the hardcore baker will get more practical use from a dual fuel range and may be more likely to notice the difference between a regular gas range and a dual fuel range than the average at-home cook.
A true convection oven in a duel fuel range can make baking a joy, especially at high altitudes. Baking complex desserts is a science, and an exceptionally stable oven temperature can help home pastry chefs make perfect éclairs or tiered cakes.
Kitchenaid 30-Inch 5-Burner Dual Fuel Convection Slide-In Range with Baking Drawer
The Right Choice for Your Kitchen & Your Budget
In some cases, especially if you do a lot of baking, it might be worth investing in a more expensive dual fuel range. In others, a gas range will suit your cooking style perfectly. It is important to ask yourself a few questions before you make a decision:
- How many nights a week do you actually cook (warming up leftovers does not count)?
- Do you like to entertain guests and throw dinner parties frequently?
- What do you cook and how often?
- Do you plan on cooking more or less frequently in the near future?
- Do you think savings after purchasing a gas range could be better spent elsewhere in the kitchen?
Just because you do not currently bake a lot or cook at home regularly does not mean that a dual fuel range would be a waste of money. It might be perfect for the times you go all out in the kitchen, or it might give you the incentive and extra edge you need to stop going out as much and cook at home more often. Take time to think about what you really need and what matters most, and invest in the perfect type of range for your household.
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